Newell, SD Hail Storm – June 2026

Newell, SD recorded a hail-producing thunderstorm on June 2, 2026, producing stones up to 1.94 inches in diameter concentrated across the town and adjacent ranchland. The storm ran through the area in the early afternoon and is now concluded.

What Happened

The main convection moved across Newell in the early afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a single alert at 1:56 PM CDT for 1.5-inch hail based on dual-polarization radar detection. The alert covered a discrete NWS alert area centered on Newell and nearby open terrain. Radar analysis shows a narrow hail swath aligned with the town and areas immediately east and south of the municipal limits. No additional NWS alerts were issued for this cell after the initial warning. The event is closed and no active warnings remain for the metro area.

Damage Assessment

Stones of this size are capable of producing visible denting and punctures on common building materials in Newell. Expect asphalt shingle granule loss and torn or split shingle tab edges on exposed roofs. Metal roofing and siding are likely to show dents concentrated on windward exposures. Vehicles parked outdoors in town and on county roads were at elevated risk for body panel dents, broken mirrors, and cracked or shattered glass. Farm equipment and unprotected antennas or skylights in the surrounding ranchland are vulnerable to penetration and shattered glazing.

Inspectors should expect a patchy distribution of impacts rather than uniform coverage. Damage will concentrate along the radar-detected hail swath and within the NWS alert area issued at 1:56 PM CDT. Photographic evidence and GPS-tagged notes will be needed to separate storm-related damage from preexisting wear in this rural-urban interface.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and stabilization. Secure shattered glass and deploy temporary coverings over roof openings to prevent water intrusion during the next rainfall. Photograph all affected surfaces with scale references and GPS coordinates. For roofs, document granule loss, broken shingles, and any punctures through underlayment. For vehicles, note dent patterns and any glazing failure. Record the time and location of initial inspections to support claims and repair sequencing.

Estimate repair scope using sample-area counts rather than extrapolation across entire properties. Inspect mechanical equipment and solar arrays at mounting points and exposed panels for punctures and frame distortion. Coordinate with insurance adjusters using the radar-detected hail swath and the NWS alert area to prioritize work in the hardest-hit sectors. Consider staged crews for rapid tarping, emergency glazing replacement, and then full repairs.

Refer to the Strike Map for precise hail track and damage zone mapping to align repair teams with the highest-impact locations.